Pennisi logical replacement for sidelined Seigle

BUSAN - Red Bull’s Mick Pennisi had an inkling he would be elevated to a regular status after Danny Seigle suffered an Achilles tendon tear last Sunday and reinforced his belief with the elder brother Andy Seigle not in top condition at the moment.

But not until national coach Jong Uichico cornered him for a private talk on their way to the Asian Games that he was fully assured of the berth, something he had worked for since he was called to report to duty December last year.

"I am very honored and very happy for my family. They will be proud of me for sure. To be able to play means a lot to me," said the 6-foot-9 Queensland native.

The 27-year-old Pennisi made it over two other alternates in Chris Jackson and Boyet Fernandez, to provide muscle in defense, heft and offensive firepower and hopefully bring back some measure of flexibility to the team lost to the injured Seigle.

"I can’t step on Danny’s shoes. It’s a big shoe to fill. I can only step into his number," said Pennisi who is married to a Pampagueña, Jennifer, by whom he has two kids.

Uichico said tapping Pennisi was a logical choice after the turn of events that hit the RP team, following Danny’s injury and Andy’s recurring back spasms.

"Andy remains a big question mark and his condition is day to day. He has been practising but we still need a big guy like Pennisi," said Uichico.

The 6-foot-9 Seigle, meanwhile, admitted he has been enduring back pains, forcing him to skip the two-game series with Qatar but maintained he’s willing to play for the country in the Asiad.

"I’ve played under worst condition," he said. "It’s been sore the past few days but it’s coming around and I’m definitely playing."

Three other players may be given ample playing time with veteran Kenneth Duremdes, on his third Asiad campaign, definitely suiting up as a starter. The team expects to call on Rudy Hatfield, Dondon Hontiveros and Noy Castillo to step up and be part of the equation. — Lito A. Tacujan